Susan Wadds’ debut novel, What the Living Do, is a haunting exploration of Brett Catlin’s life—a woman grappling with the echoes of her traumatic past, a devastating cancer diagnosis, and the delicate balance between self-destruction and survival. Through Brett’s introspective journey, Wadds crafts a story that is both raw and beautifully poetic as Brett navigates her relationships and the fragmented pieces of her past to find healing.

Wadds has a way of weaving words that feel like they’re sinking straight into your bones. Early on, Brett’s job handling roadkill becomes a visceral metaphor for her internal state. I couldn’t shake the image of her burying a young dog in the hard-packed dirt, her thoughts unraveling like the rib bone poking through the carcass. These moments, uncomfortable yet profound, bring Brett’s pain and search for meaning to life.

Wadds isn’t afraid to show us the beauty and brutality of survival. Her conversations with Mel, who teaches her to pray for animals rather than to them, are some of the most grounding moments in the story. These exchanges are a quiet counterpoint to the chaos of her dynamic with Cole, her younger lover. The contrast between Mel’s stoic spirituality and Cole’s boyish longing for stability highlights Brett’s own turmoil. I also appreciated Wadds’ portrayal of Brett’s past trauma and how it reverberates into her present.

The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—childhood abuse, survivor’s guilt, and the weight of familial expectations. Yet, Wadds handles these with sensitivity and grace. The recurring motifs of fire, ash, and the lingering scent of smoke are haunting reminders of Brett’s unresolved grief. They mirror her struggle to reconcile the ghosts of her family and her own self-worth.

Wadds writes with a compassion and honesty that is rare and deeply moving. What the Living Do is perfect for anyone who isn’t afraid to confront the messiness of life, grief, and the hope of healing. Fans of literary fiction with emotional depth will find much to admire in Brett’s journey.

Pages: 253 | ASIN: B0C1P62CS5